Canan Moodie escaped a life of gangsterism and crime.
Images via Facebook: @canan.moodie
‘It was tough’: Canan Moodie escaped life of gangsterism, drugs
From the streets to the Springboks Rugby World Cup squad: Canan Moodie has reflected on his difficult environment, rife with crime and drugs.
Canan Moodie escaped a life of gangsterism and crime.
Images via Facebook: @canan.moodie
If started from the bottom was a person, it would be Springboks player Canan Moodie, one of the youngest players to play in the national team and in the Rugby World Cup.
The 20-year-old was named in the 33-man squad set to defend South Africa’s trophy next month in France.
But while Canan is living his wildest dreams, it is far from his reality of growing up amid gangsterism, drug abuse, and crime.
ALSO READ: Inspiring! Clip of young Canan Moodie in lockdown training goes viral
CANAN MOODIE: FROM STREETS TO SPRINGBOKS WORLD CUP SQUAD
Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Canan Moodie reflected on his humble beginnings in Amstelof, near Paarl in the Western Cape.
The neighbourhood was rife with gangsterism – a life his parents and older brother Keanu fought hard to keep him out of.
In fact, Canan claims that one of his closest neighbours still operates a drug den.
The 20-year-old was inspired to play rugby by his brother and would train in his yard or on the streets. A video of him training on a small piece of turf during SA’s hard COVID-19 lockdown attests to his sheer determination and focus.
ALSO READ: A praying mother: Canan Moodie’s mom gushes over him
He told the publication: “It was tough, but when you come from a tough environment, you play the cards that you’re dealt.
“Most of us get our skills in the streets growing up. “You learn the natural ability to beat guys in small spaces. We play on a road that’s probably five metres wide with a bunch of guys. You learn how to try and beat them from a young age.”
PRAISE FROM BIG BRO
Meanwhile, Canan Moodie’s family is full of praise for the young Springboks star, set to shine at the Rugby World Cup.
His mother, Shantal, continues to boast about her son’s achievements on her Facebook account – and rightfully so.
She posted: “Four years ago [at the Rugby World Cup], he was 15, turning 16. Who could imagine he would be part of it at the age of 20? Last year, he became the 2nd youngest player for the Springboks. On 8 August, he was capped as the youngest player in the World Cup squad”.
She added: “Let no one and nothing stand in your way to live your dreams. And put God at the centre of it all. What God has done for Canan, He CAN and is able to do it for you. Never stop praying for your kids and encourage and help them to bring out the best in them”.
Meanwhile, Canan Moodie’s brother Keanu tweeted: “Everything I ever did was to inspire my younger brother. He has surpassed my expectations. I don’t think you can wish for anything better”.
